The Lightwell Podcast

In this episode, Adam welcomes Presto Kelso, Director of Key Accounts at Lightwell Insurance Advisors, to discuss the unique and heightened risks churches face during the holiday season, including the often-overlooked threat of staff and volunteer burnout. Through practical examples and seasoned risk management advice, they explore ways to keep facilities and events safe while caring for the people who make ministry possible. The conversation equips church leaders to make intentional choices that balance ministry ambitions with sustainable care for their teams.

Belief-driven ministries face unique risks, especially when it comes to standing firm on deeply held convictions in an increasingly litigious environment. In this episode, Adam and Julius Graber, Account Executive Team Lead, Lightwell Insurance Advisors, unpack the nuances of religious freedom liability coverage, highlighting why it’s vital for churches and ministries to clearly document and proactively defend their faith position. The conversation also covers practical steps, common misconceptions, and real-world scenarios where preparation and clarity can turn potential legal vulnerabilities into points of strength.

Ministries and nonprofits face increasing cybersecurity threats, with attackers viewing them as “soft targets” rich in sensitive data but limited in IT resources. In this episode, Dean Malone, Senior Agent, Lightwell Insurance Advisors, and Adam break down how church leaders can identify, prevent, and respond to cyberattacks while maintaining a culture of trust and openness. The conversation blends practical risk management steps, insurance essentials, and actionable security measures to help ministries steward their data and reputations wisely.

As fall brings higher attendance, outreach events, and busier facilities, Lyndsie Glowinski of Lightwell Insurance Advisors shares practical ways churches and ministries can get ahead of the risks that come with a busy season. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience serving Christian and nonprofit organizations, Lyndsie discusses everything from slip-and-fall prevention and building maintenance to background checks and understanding what your insurance actually covers and excludes. She also shares real-world examples that demonstrate why proactive risk management, strong relationships, and having an advocate who understands the unique needs of ministries can help protect both the mission and the budget.

Child protection is more than just an insurance policy; it’s a ministry’s commitment to creating a safe environment for children, families, staff, and volunteers. Suleika Guzman and Adam Clark unpack how ministries can proactively address child safety with robust insurance coverage, thorough documentation, and comprehensive staff and volunteer training. The episode explores practical steps, real-world challenges, and the crucial advocacy role of a trusted insurance advisor, equipping ministries to steward their responsibilities and protect those they serve.

Fire risk management is a critical aspect of church and ministry stewardship, especially in fire-prone areas like California. The conversation with Charlie Cutler, President at ChurchWest, unpacks common fire hazards unique to ministry settings, outlines essential prevention strategies, and highlights the necessity of adequate insurance coverage—including building valuation, time element coverage, and compliance with evolving codes. By drawing on decades of experience, practical steps are offered for both prevention and effective response, encouraging churches to be both proactive and properly protected.

As schools transition from summer break to a new academic year, Larry Clinton Sr. and Larry Matthew Clinton share practical advice on risk management, insurance, and safeguarding both students and staff in Christian educational settings. The conversation focuses on moving beyond the status quo, highlighting often overlooked details in policy review, staff training, and documentation practices. This episode underscores the importance of working with knowledgeable partners so ministries can focus on their calling to educate and nurture students in a secure environment.

Safety and security stewardship in ministry settings extends far beyond armed guards and visible presence; it's about creating an environment where everyone feels protected and cared for. Former pastor and insurance agent Steve Bensema shares stories, practical advice, and lessons learned from both pastoral and insurance perspectives, detailing how ministries can build holistic safety teams, implement practical steps, and leverage specialized insurance coverage to prepare for both the everyday and the unthinkable. The conversation explores actionable ways to equip churches while reframing risk management as an act of loving stewardship, not fear.

Key Points/Topics Covered

• Redefining Safety and Security in Ministries: From armed guards to holistic care
• The Role of Stewardship: Caring for people, property, and community
• Child Protection: Steps for safeguarding children and building effective policies
• Insurance as a Safety Net: Liability, traumatic incident support, and partnerships
• Practical Steps for Churches: Local partnerships, planning, and ongoing support

Summer is just around the corner, and that means camp season is in full swing for ministries across the country. But while camps offer incredible opportunities for fun, growth, and sharing the good news, they also compress a lot of risk into a short window of time. From increased numbers of minors and overnight stays to outdoor activities, transportation, and the challenges of staffing and facilities, there's a lot for camp leaders to consider—especially when it comes to insurance and risk management.

In this episode of the Lightwell Podcast, we sit down with Ben Giselbach, a seasoned risk advisor from Alabama with deep experience working with Christian camps and churches. Together, we’ll explore the biggest risk areas camps face, from supervision and child safety policies to facility hazards, weather-related threats, transportation issues, and the need for solid emergency response plans. Practical insights show how proactive planning, comprehensive policies, and having the right insurance coverages and expert guidance can help camp leaders confidently navigate every season.

Matt Gumbert examines the interplay between faith, risk, and wisdom in ministry leadership, emphasizing that faith and wisdom are not rivals but partners essential for navigating challenges. He discusses how wise stewardship, including the prudent use of insurance, is a tool that liberates ministry leaders to act boldly and fulfill their calling without fear. Throughout the conversation, Matt Gumbert illustrates how balancing trust in God with practical action prepares ministries to thrive, not just survive, in today's increasingly complex environment.

Planning and leading church mission travel requires careful foresight and strong stewardship. Adam Clark sits down with Kurt Hetherington, Agency Director for Lightwell in Texas and Iowa and President of James Green and Associates, who brings decades of experience supporting more than 9,000 ministries. They break down the real risks involved, from medical emergencies in remote regions to political instability and complex logistics, and share practical guidance on minimizing risk, securing appropriate insurance, and making smart decisions about coverage and cost. For ministry leaders, this is a clear, no-nonsense look at how to steward people, resources, and the mission well while preparing teams to travel safely wherever they are called.

Uncover common misconceptions ministries hold about insurance and equip church leaders with a deeper understanding of potential coverage gaps, especially concerning liability and volunteer participation. Through practical examples and real-world scenarios, Dustin Strande (Territory Director for Lightwell Insurance Advisors in CO, KS, MT, NB, ND, SD, and WY) illustrates why specific, ministry-focused insurance policies matter and explains how agencies can be uniquely positioned to support ministry needs. The conversation reframes stewardship as not just saving money, but proactively ensuring that people, property, and ministry work are protected.

Spring weather brings unique risks and potential claims for ministries, particularly due to storms, wind, hail, and lingering effects from winter conditions. Ian Naudé, an agent for Lightwell Insurance Advisors in TN, reveals the importance of shifting the mindset around facility care, highlighting how proactive maintenance and proper documentation can mitigate costly damages and support long-term insurability. The conversation equips ministry leaders with practical steps to prioritize preventative maintenance, protect their property, and ensure uninterrupted ministry.

Forte’s CEO, Vineet Rajan, explores the vital distinction between mental health and mental fitness, emphasizing the importance of proactive, ongoing practices for ministry and nonprofit leaders. Through his personal experiences and insights, he encourages prioritization of mental fitness in both times of crisis and as a daily commitment to personal well-being and professional effectiveness. The conversation highlights actionable steps, organizational benefits, the relationship between mental fitness and risk management, and ways to normalize mental fitness as essential for thriving in challenging roles. For more about Forte, visit https://getforte.com

Despite assumptions that frozen pipes are only a "northern risk", this episode explores how ministries and property owners in warm states like Texas and New Mexico are equally vulnerable to catastrophic damage during rare but severe cold snaps. Colton Johnson, Regional Manager for Lightwell Insurance Advisors in TX and NM, shares practical steps, technology solutions, and common misconceptions about protecting church buildings from water damage, emphasizing proactive risk management. The conversation equips ministry leaders with actionable prevention strategies, insight into insurance implications, and guidance on working with trusted advisors to avoid costly losses.

Church ministries face critical decisions when it comes to stewarding their property, people, and reputation, especially through proper insurance coverage and risk management. Jason Petty, a Producer for Lightwell Insurance Advisors in Louisiana, highlights the importance of reviewing insurance policies beyond just saving money -- focusing on identifying gaps, understanding claims-made vs. occurrence coverages, and communicating ministry activities to advisors. By pairing a thorough risk management plan with the right coverage, ministries can avoid devastating surprises and honor their calling with wisdom and discernment.

With a focus on the balance between effective operations and mission-driven ministry, this episode features insights from Kate Wood, the Director of Operations and Community Life at Resurrection Church. Drawing on her legal background and experience in risk management, Kate Wood shares strategies for building robust systems, fostering volunteer excellence, and creating safe environments that serve both the heart and the business of church life. The conversation highlights practical innovations, such as leveraging technology and community assets, while underscoring the foundational importance of safety, security, and thoughtful leadership in ministry settings.

Catastrophic losses -- those events causing widespread, multimillion-dollar damage -- are becoming more frequent and varied, impacting ministries regardless of their direct involvement in a disaster. Zach Mize, a senior agent and partner with Lightwell Insurance Advisors with nearly two decades of experience insuring churches, explores how ministries can identify their most significant risks, develop proactive insurance strategies, and ensure organizational continuity even when disasters happen. The episode aims to empower churches and nonprofits with practical steps and crucial coverage insights to weather both expected and unexpected storms, underscoring the importance of tailored planning and strong local agency relationships.

Denise Bailey, Director of Operations for the South Carolina District of the Wesleyan Church, provides ministry and church leaders with practical advice on navigating insurance decisions, emphasizing the importance of developing strong relationships with insurance representatives and making informed choices that balance stewardship with appropriate coverage. She shares first-hand experiences in reviewing policies, handling claims, and proactively reducing risk through preventative maintenance. The discussion highlights actionable strategies to ensure ministries are well-protected while freeing leaders to focus on their core mission.

Brotherhood Works was launched to provide ministries with comprehensive solutions that go far beyond traditional insurance offerings. By uniting payroll, HR, employee benefits, background screening, and missions support under one brand, Brotherhood Works aims to relieve administrative burdens and empower ministries to focus on their core mission. Gabriel Brown (Sales and Operations VP for Brotherhood Works) and Michael Brown (Employee Benefits Producer, IL, IN, MI, Lightwell Insurance Advisors) highlight how these ministry-specific services, developed through decades of direct ministry engagement, uniquely equip churches, camps, and schools to thrive in operational excellence and compliance.

Key Points/Topics Covered

• The Origin and Purpose of Brotherhood Works
• Ministries’ Non-Insurance Needs: HR, Payroll, and Employee Benefits
• Specialized Ministry Services: Background Screening, Abuse Prevention, and Missions Care
• The Ministry-Focused Approach and Customization of Solutions
• Access and Next Steps for Ministry Leaders